Method: Data were obtained by focus group discussion and in-depth interview with 50 local personnel who were responsible for the program in 4 provinces, Samutprakarn, Saraburi, Songkla and Nakornratchasima, from June 2013 to September 2013. Content analysis and thematic exaction were used to compare data in terms of context, budget and management.
Result: Four provinces were similar in contexts which consisted of urban area, crowded population and many private clinics. The budget of every province gained from “Dental Fund” which was supported by National Health Security Office (NHSO). Each area also established appropriate management of the budget autonomously. Every provincial dental health office performed as a purchaser in public-private health service system by providing a contract between public and private sectors. The same compulsory basic treatment package was implemented in the same target groups such as pregnancy women, pre-school children, primary school children and elderly people. However, Samutprakarn was different from other provinces in terms of number of partnership area, amount of budget and target groups. Every district of Samutprakarn involved in the program but only downtown district was participated in other provinces. The budget was highest because of the highest number of population who registered with NHSO. Moreover, Samutprakarn added secondary school children, adults and special need people as target groups.
Conclusion: The public-private partnership of 4 provinces had both similarities and differences. This new partnership was an innovation for increasing dental utilization. The experience of these provinces should be lesson learned for other provinces to develop better dental health services system in the future.